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How to Use Sri Yantra

By David Ferris ; Updated September 29, 2017

The Buddhist mandala is geometrically similar to the Sri Yantra.

Yantras derive from the Buddhist, Hindu and tantric spiritual traditions and date back 2,000 years. They are symmetric, geometrical, spiritually significant circular patterns of which the Sri Yantra is the original and most important. The Sri Yantra is used for meditation, contemplation and spiritual symbolism, representing as it does themes of eternality, polarity and other concepts central to these religious traditions. The visual complexity of the Sri Yantra also has artistic potential.

Secure the Sri Yantra at eye level on a north- or east-facing wall.

Meditate on the center point, termed the "bindu." This point symbolizes the origin of existence and the highest possible state of consciousness. Breathe calmly through the nose while meditating.

Work outward from the bindu while remaining in a meditative state. The Sri Yantra unfolds in layers, or "circuits," which mimic the steps on the path to transcendence and unbeing.

Coordinate the mental rhythm of your meditation with the visual and aesthetic rhythm of the Sri Yantra pattern, bearing in mind its power as a symbol of male-female opposites, balance, symmetry and the infinity of being and nothingness.

Design art based on the Sri Yantra, which in its balance, color and geometry is and of itself aesthetically appealing. The Sri Yantra has inspired artistic works in a number of mediums dating back centuries. Reproducing the image artistically can help develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of the Yantra's complexity.

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About the Author

David Ferris started writing professionally in 2006 and has been published in several newspapers. He has worked in a variety of fields including education and law. He strives to one day be an authority on all subjects, great and small. Ferris has a Bachelor of Arts in political science.